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NAMI EASTSIDE
Family Resource Ctr.
16315 NE 87th Street
Suite B-11
Redmond, WA 98052
425-885-NAMI (6264)
info@nami-eastside.org
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NAMI
Eastside Housing Program: Accessory Dwelling Unit
WHAT IS AN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU)?
An ADU is a self-sufficient (“mother-in-law”) type
of housing unit (i.e. 400-900 square foot living unit that includes a
sleeping area(s), living area, kitchen, and bathroom) that can be within,
attached to, or detached to an existing home. Many Eastside communities
have been zoned to allow use of ADU’s either as an independent housing
unit for a family member or rented out to a non-relative; and over a thousand
ADUs are in existence in Seattle and other King County communities. Because
it usually costs less to build (remodel) than other housing alternatives,
the ADU can offer affordable rental housing to low income persons.
WHAT IS AN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT FOR SPECIAL
NEEDS PERSONS (ADU-SN)?
ADU-SN is a concept to apply ADUs as a housing option
for persons with mental illness (Consumers) who are capable of independent
living while being supported by periodic mental health care outreach services.
Typically these Consumers are in a low income bracket and can’t afford
the relatively high Eastside rents. Presently, the only recourse for them
is to: 1) try and get Section 8 housing or other subsidized rental housing
(significant shortage and long wait lists); 2) live at home (often a stressful
environment); or 3) become homeless. The ADU-SN appears to be an attractive
solution for the following reasons:
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Represents a low cost alternative means
of providing additional affordable rental housing units for a number
of low income persons with mental disorders capable of independent
living.
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Family Homeowners would obtain low cost housing for their mentally
ill relative. Non-family Homeowners involved in the program would
get a housing addition at a significantly reduced cost, obtain tax
credits, and receive nominal rental revenue. In both cases, ADU-SN
economics appear to be attractive to the Homeowner. Federal and local
funding and or low interest loans for low income housing may be available
to a Homeowner for building an ADU-SN.
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Does not require capital outlays, debt burden, or “housing operating
costs’ from mental health organizations to support a large segment
of their clients. This benefit reduces the number of supported independent
housing units a mental health organization has to provide and operate
thus improving overall mental health system cost effectiveness.
- Each Section 8 Voucher subsidy would cost King
County Housing Authority (KCHA) less since the ADU-SN rent requirement
to make an economically attractive case is lower than the KCHA rental
cap.
WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE ADU-SN INITIATIVE?
NAMI Eastside Housing Committee is acting as the catalyst
to plan and implement an ADU-SN Demonstration Program on the Eastside.
To-date, the following progress has been made:
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A preliminary survey was made indicating positive responses from Homeowners and Consumers.
A number of Homeowners with special needs relatives have expressed interest in participating in
an ADU-SN Demonstration Program on the Eastside.
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NAMI Eastside is working with ARCH, King County Housing Authority, and King
County Housing & Community Development to seek funding support for an ADU-SN
Demonstration Program.
DO YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ON HOW AN ADU-SN MAY
BE A VIABLE HOUSING OPTION FOR A LOW INCOME SPECIAL NEES PERSON?
Contact: housing@nami-eastside.org
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